Mosesbrunnen (Moses Fountain), Bern
The Moses Fountain (Mosesbrunnen) is a historic fountain located on Münsterplatz in the Old City of Bern. Constructed in 1544 and rebuilt in 1790-1791 after storm damage, it is recognized as a Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern. Its Louis XVI-style basin was designed by Niklaus Sprüngli.
The central statue depicts Moses presenting the Ten Commandments to the Tribes of Israel. Unique to Western art traditions of the Middle Ages, Moses is depicted with two horns on his head. This feature references Exodus 34:29-35, which describes Moses' face becoming radiant after meeting with God. The horns are interpreted as a metaphorical representation of radiance, symbolizing Moses' strength, authority, and glorification of God. This imagery stems from a translation of the Hebrew term "qāran" by Jerome, who saw horns as a metaphor for divine strength.
Moses is shown pointing towards the second commandment, which prohibits the creation of graven images. He faces the nearby Bern Münster Cathedral, which saw many images destroyed during the Reformation. The Moses Fountain remains a notable testament to religious history and artistic tradition.
The central statue depicts Moses presenting the Ten Commandments to the Tribes of Israel. Unique to Western art traditions of the Middle Ages, Moses is depicted with two horns on his head. This feature references Exodus 34:29-35, which describes Moses' face becoming radiant after meeting with God. The horns are interpreted as a metaphorical representation of radiance, symbolizing Moses' strength, authority, and glorification of God. This imagery stems from a translation of the Hebrew term "qāran" by Jerome, who saw horns as a metaphor for divine strength.
Moses is shown pointing towards the second commandment, which prohibits the creation of graven images. He faces the nearby Bern Münster Cathedral, which saw many images destroyed during the Reformation. The Moses Fountain remains a notable testament to religious history and artistic tradition.
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Mosesbrunnen (Moses Fountain) on Map
Sight Name: Mosesbrunnen (Moses Fountain)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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